I don't own White Collar, or the characters...blah...blah...blah...
A/N: This is going to be a short two-part piece for Christmas, to follow up on my story, A Way Through The Darkness. The plan is to post the second part tomorrow (Christmas). Hope you all enjoy, Merry Christmas!
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Peter smiled to himself as he sat in his recliner with his back to the roaring fire, watching the snow slowly fall outside the window. White Christmas was playing on the stereo in the background, and Neal was chatting eagerly with his wife, Elizabeth, as they decided the best way to place each Christmas ornament. He was glad that the events of the last few weeks barely lingered in the backs of their minds, as they finally were able to decorate the house. Neal gingerly held a glass of wine in his left hand, as it hung in a sling, carefully placing the large gold balls with his good right hand. Neal caught his gaze, and shifted the sling uncomfortably before taking a seat across from Peter.
"What?" Peter feigned confusion.
"You were staring at me. Something on your mind?" Neal eased himself against the back of couch, leaving his wineglass on the coffee table.
"No, not really." Peter lied. It had only been just about two weeks since they had pulled Neal half dead out of that snow bank. He knew it would be a long time before the falling snow didn't make his mind flash back to that day. "Did Elizabeth talk to you about tonight?"
"Yeah, caroling in Central Park?" Neal dropped his voice as he leaned a little closer to Peter. "Really, Peter? You don't think that's kinda…I don't know, childish?"
"Hey, Neal, I heard that." Elizabeth crossed over and playfully batted at his leg, as she sat down on the couch next to him. "It a family tradition, and it's something I really enjoy this time of year."
"Alright, alright." He held his good hand up in surrender. "I'll go."
"Good!" Elizabeth wrapped her arm tenderly around his shoulders. "Don't worry, Peter just lips the words, any way."
Elizabeth cheerfully jumped up and the two men watched in silence as she bounced her way towards the kitchen.
"Don't worry." Peter leaned over towards Neal. "I spike the eggnog before we go."
"Good to know." Neal smiled and settled back into the sofa once again. He wasn't sure what to think of this new relationship that was developing between himself, Peter, and Elizabeth, but it strangely felt very comfortable.
"She wants you to stay over and spend Christmas morning here with us, Neal." Peter's expression grew serious.
"I know." Neal let his voice drop to a whisper. "I'll think about it."